House Challenger Decries Outsourcing

BERLIN — Joe Aresimowicz, Democratic contender for the 30th House District, campaigned Wednesday at the state Capitol, where he spoke against job outsourcing.

Accompanied by state Sen. Donald DeFronzo, D-New Britain, and Fred Tedesco, founder of a small-manufacturers group, Aresimowicz publicly announced his support for legislation that would keep jobs in Connecticut.

Aresimowicz said job outsourcing has been one of the top concerns expressed by business owners in the 30th District, which covers parts of Southington and Berlin.

``This has really become one of the cornerstones of my campaign,'' he said.

Aresimowicz said his opponent, incumbent Bob Peters, opposed a bill this year that would have protected state jobs.

Peters, a Republican, said during a telephone interview that he opposed Senate Bill 501 because it would have prompted businesses to move to states that didn't have anti-outsourcing legislation.

``It's a lousy way to attract business,'' he said.

Peters said part of the solution to outsourcing is to lure businesses to Connecticut by offering tax incentives and abatements. But one state alone cannot fix the nationwide problem, he said.

``It's not just a few companies, it's a national trend,'' Peters said. ``Is it hurting the economy? Absolutely. But this is not the solution.'' He said outsourcing needs to be addressed on a national-level.

Senate Bill 501 would have restricted state contractors from transferring work outside of the state. It also would have required businesses with 100 or more workers to tell employees and state agencies about impending layoffs six months ahead of time.

The bill passed in the Senate. It died in the House when it was tabled on the last day of the session, according to the legislative website.